BuckyCap: Badgers are Running Through the Bahamas

Wisconsin Badgers went to the Bahamas this week with a top 25 ranking. Wisconsin looked good through three games, but this would be the real test for them. What we’re seeing with Wisconsin is they’re back to being the team people expect them to be on a regular basis. Wisconsin dominated the first two games of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament with big wins against Stanford and Oklahoma. Those are two solid non-conference wins for the Badgers to use for their resume in the month of March. Now, they have the true resume builder today against Virginia.

Two-game Player of the Game: D’Mitwrik Trice – This is a glow-up for Trice. He struggled a bit against Stanford, but Trice still had 16 points to tie the leading scorers in the game. But the Oklahoma game is where he really shined for the team. Trice dropped 25 points with seven made threes. He’s been huge for the Badgers since returning from injury. Trice makes things go for Wisconsin, and we’re seeing how much of a key cog he is for the Badgers.

Two-game Silver Star: Ethan Happ – Well, this isn’t a surprise. Happ continues his run through his senior year with impressive game after impressive game. Not sure if he will be an NBA Draft pick, but Happ is making his name as one of the best Badgers players of all-time. He had two double-doubles in the first two games. Happ had 16-12 in game 1 and in game 2, he had 14 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Neither Stanford or Oklahoma had an answer for the Badgers big man.

Positive (STAN) – Badgers defense shined bright: It’s not like Wisconsin was playing bad defense through the first couple games of the season, but this game we really saw what Wisconsin can do on the defensively. They held Stanford to shooting only 27 percent from the field and 11 percent from three. If not for 12 free throws made, Stanford had 34 points.

Positive (OKLA) – Kobe King gets rolling: This might be the biggest thing for Wisconsin at their Bahamas trip. Kobe King had 14 points off the bench against Oklahoma. He had three 3-pointers and played really well. If the Badgers can get this kind of production from King regularly off the bench, Wisconsin becomes an even better team.

Negative (STAN) – Happ’s foul issues: This game was close for a little while in the second half. Happ’s foul trouble played a factor in this. He did not have as clean of a game as you would have wanted. This is one of Happ’s bugaboos as a player. He tends to find himself in foul trouble more often than he should even if as a big man.

Next up: As you know, they play Virginia this afternoon. This is not an exciting game. I’m sorry. I know Badgers fans will be fired up for the game, but holy shit, this is not a great game at all. For those who love fundamental college basketball, this is their porn. Enjoy it and grab the lube.